Naucoridae

Definition

A family of predatory aquatic true bugs (Hemiptera: Nepomorpha) commonly called creeping water bugs or saucer bugs. Adults range 5–20 mm, are dorsoventrally flattened with raptorial forelegs, and inhabit diverse freshwater habitats from still ponds to torrential streams. The family contains approximately 400 species in 46 genera across eight subfamilies, with highest diversity in tropical regions.

Etymology

Example

Pelocoris, a subfamily of Naucoridae, is typically restricted to lentic habitats such as ponds and quiet backwaters, whereas other naucorids thrive in lotic environments including fast-flowing streams.

Synonyms

• Creeping water bugs
• saucer bugs

Related Terms

• Belostomatidae
• Nepomorpha
• Hemiptera
• lentic
• lotic
• raptorial forelegs

Usage Notes

Distinguished from the superficially similar giant water bugs (Belostomatidae) by smaller body size and lack of respiratory siphons; naucorids breathe through spiracles and often carry a bubble of air held by hydrofuge hairs. The family is cosmopolitan but shows marked tropical diversification.